Putin warns West ’I am not bluffing’ over nuclear weapons as he announces partial mobilisation

Breaking news - Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that 300,000 reservists will be drafted into the army in a partial mobilisation, as he warned West he was not “bluffing“ over nuclear weapons. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said the reservists will receive training before being sent to the front line, as Russia seeks to bolster its ailing military campaign in Ukraine. Mr Putin said the decision, which followed the announcement of referendums to pave the way for the formal annexation of swathes of Ukraine, is meant to “protect our Motherland and our territorial integrity.“ Claiming the West was threatening Russia with nuclear weapons, Mr Putin said: “We have lots of weapons to reply - it is not a bluff.“ Subscribe to The Telegraph with our special offer: just £1 for 3 months. Start your free trial now: